A little over a month following its release, it’s no surprise that the Nintendo Switch 2 has taken the gaming world by storm. The console has sold like hotcakes, and even with a relatively thin launch lineup (at least when it comes to brand-new games), its primary first-party title, Mario Kart World, has been an absolute knockout. There’s so much to love about the racer (and, to be honest, some things to hate), but one thing everyone who’s played the game can probably agree on is that its soundtrack is SENSATIONAL.
Like any other Mario Kart title, World has its fair share of solid original tracks. That said, its greatest strength might actually be how it remixes and repurposes older tracks from a variety of Mario games. Driving through its open world in Free Roam mode, you’ll hear everything from a relaxing lo-fi version of the save file screen from Super Mario 64 to a jazzy pop cover of the main theme from Mario Paint, a game I’m sure most people reading this didn’t even know existed.
When asked which track resonated with them the most, the folks at The Punished Backlog had a wide variety of answers:
David Silbert: “It’s impossible to narrow down hundreds of Mario Kart World tracks to just one. So, I’m going with a pure nostalgia play: a remix of ‘Ricco Harbor’ from Super Mario Sunshine. This new, ska-inspired arrangement melds horns, percussion, and a groovy bass line to great effect as you cruise under the sun. Now give us a sequel, Nintendo!”
Gary Wilson: “One of the masterstrokes that Mario Kart World pulls is the ability to hit nostalgia beats without feeling like a rehash. ‘DK Spaceport’ nails the feeling of classic Mario Kart themes while also being fresh and interesting. Having the music develop over the laps, building into different melodies around the classic Donkey Kong five-note rhythm before crescendoing into the ‘Hammer’ theme shows just how thoughtful the composers were in crafting this soundtrack. Plus, who doesn’t want to drive against an angry robot DK?”
Mark Bowers: “Come on, man. Just listen to it. ‘Toad’s Factory’ has it all. It’s pure chaos, but also down to business. You have the boldness of the horns trading off with the rocking guitar for a hectic but somehow smooth jazz-to-rock transition, brought together with that incredible handoff by the drum set. Toss in the sax to keep it grooving and the piano for some flare, and you have an absolute banger on your hands. Not only does this song perfectly embody the craziness of a factory run by Toads, but it also serves as the best opener for any Knockout Tour, thrusting you right into the madness of it all. It just doesn’t get any better than this — we have one of the GOATs on our hands here.”
Zack Gulinello: “There are few Nintendo tracks quite as iconic as Donkey Kong Country‘s ‘Jungle Hijinx.’ It is one of the most instantly recognizable songs in gaming and rounds out a collection of DK-based music that has no right being as catchy as it is (looking at you, ‘DK Rap’). If there’s ever been a better version of it released, I haven’t heard it. The Mario Kart World remix, however, gives full big-band vibes with the robust horn section, jazzy drums, and even a piano solo to boot. It feels rebuilt from the ground up as a quintessential edition, completely orchestrated to a level where I could absolutely listen to this anytime, anywhere. Bravo, Nintendo, you went and perfected an already perfect song.”
If you ask me, however, the answer is obvious: Mario Kart World’s latest reimagining of “Dire, Dire Docks” from Mario 64.
The Magic of “Dire, Dire Docks” — Then and Now
For context, here is the original track from the 1996 classic:
Used exclusively in water-based levels, the song’s minimalistic melody conveys the feeling of actually being underwater, where everything is a little quieter yet a little more wondrous. Even the rapid high-hat riffing that appears later exudes a sensation of swimming quickly through a body of water, experiencing both the excitement and calmness of such an endeavor. Super Mario 64 has plenty of iconic hits on its soundtrack, but “Dire, Dire Docks” might be the best water-based level music in any Mario game ever.
Meanwhile, for Mario Kart World, the composers offered a new take on the track, opting for more of a Kenny G-style smooth jazz rendition:
Here, the track takes a different turn. Instead of the pointed tranquility of the MIDI-based notes from the Nintendo 64 soundboard, there’s now an extended lusciousness from the orchestral intro all the way through the saxophone melody. Despite the myriad instruments involved in such a performance, it never gets overwhelming or confusing; every note from every component is fully on point, coming together to deliver music as smooth and elegant as a nighttime beachside drive.
That, ultimately, is the main difference between the original and the MKW remix: Instead of projecting that feeling of submergence, the newer version gives a sense of ease and relaxation one has when in proximity to water, rather than surrounded by it. The N64 track is about what it’s like to swim in a pool or a lake all by yourself; the MKW rendition is how one feels gazing out at the open ocean just as the sun begins to set.
The most impressive part of this newer “Dire, Dire Docks” is how it reimagines the original but doesn’t completely stray away from the original’s intent. Both exude a sense of peace one can only achieve by admiring (or, potentially, fully embracing) natural bodies of water in solitude. Even in a Mario Kart game — an experience fundamentally centered on competition and chaos — such a song brings the player down to Earth, forcing them to appreciate the gorgeous open world that surrounds them, even if just for a moment.
As anyone who’s read our past Friday Fortissimo entries knows by now, video game music does more than set a tone or create an atmosphere. It can establish a connection to a time and a place so strong that only a couple of notes brings you back to that time and place right away. Just hearing the original “Dire, Dire Docks” places an imaginary Nintendo 64 controller in my hands. The World remix, on the other hand, instantly brings me to the sands of Koopa Troopa Beach and all the roads leading to it as I cruise around in the evening looking for P-Switches and Peach Medallions.
With previous Mario Kart games, hearing the music just made me think of playing Mario Kart. The Mario Kart World soundtrack manages to do so much more.
What’s your favorite track from the Mario Kart World soundtrack? Let us know in the comments!
Sam has been playing video games since his earliest years and has been writing about them since 2016. He’s a big fan of Nintendo games and complaining about The Last of Us Part II. You either agree wholeheartedly with his opinions or despise them. There is no in between. A lifelong New Yorker, Sam views gaming as far more than a silly little pastime, and hopes though critical analysis and in-depth reviews to better understand the medium's artistic merit. Twitter: @sam_martinelli.
Mark is a contributor to The Punished Backlog, often promising articles and occasionally delivering when he actually commits to it. Mark games mainly on his PS5 and his Switch, and some of his favorite games include God of War, Ghost of Tsushima, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, and his all time favorite, Red Dead Redemption 2. When not gaming, Mark is an avid fan of all Boston sports teams and his Villanova Wildcats. He also loves hiking, skiing, and traveling across the U.S.
Zack has been hooked on games ever since his older brother taught him where to find the secret warp whistles in Mario Bros. 3. He has never felt more joy than when Yoshi congratulated him on getting 120 stars in Mario 64 or more sadness than when he played Kingdom Hearts 3 after waiting 14 years for it. Zack mails a letter to Nintendo every day asking them to bring back Chibi Robo and will gladly tell you all about why it’s one of the greatest games of all time. He was hoping that writing for the site would help him get through his backlog, but it actually just made it worse now that he’s hearing about so many more great hidden gems. Oops…
David is the founder of The Punished Backlog. He has a problem finishing games he starts. Just beat: Nine Sols, UFO 50. Working on: Metaphor: ReFantazio. Can't wait for: Hollow Knight: Silksong. Follow David on Twitter at @David_Silbert to keep up to date with all things The Punished Backlog.
Gary is a jack-of-all-trades video game enthusiast based in Boston, MA. A semi-professional fighting game player, even less professional Apex Legends player, and even less professional adult, he spends most of his time poking at strange indie gems and reading about the need for more diverse voices in gaming criticism. He invites anyone to recommend anything he's missed in the gaming world via Twitter or BlueSky, where he can found under the username @grtnpwrfl. When he isn't spending his time playing games, Gary is an avid New England Patriots fan and frequent hiker.
